MolexTM Complex for Upgrading

Refinery Kerosene to Normal Paraffins

INTRODUCTION
Production of normal paraffins offers an opportunity for
the refiner to upgrade straight run kerosene to higher
valued products, or for a linear alkylbenzene benzene
(LAB) producer to secure feedstocks. Normal paraffins,
especially those in the range of C10 to C13, are an impor-
tant precursor to LAB which is used to produce linear
alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), the workhorse surfactant
of the detergent industry. The Molex process is a proven
method to extract normal paraffins from kerosene.

Most normal paraffins (about 80%) are used in the

production of LAB. The remainder serves the detergent
alcohol, solvent, and lubricant markets.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION OF THE MOLEX

COMPLEX
The heart of the Molex complex is the Molex process.
Figure 1 shows a simplified block flow diagram of a
In this process high purity normal paraffins in the
Molex complex.
kerosene are recovered using UOP’s SorbexTM separation
technology and a long-life molecular sieve adsorbent. Prefractionation columns are recommended for the
The raffinate stream, which consists of iso-paraffins and Molex Complex. Usually the prefractionation columns
cyclic hydrocarbons, is typically returned to the refiner are stripper and rerun columns to tailor the kerosene to
for jet fuel blending. the correct carbon range for final product requirements.
Along with the Molex process, a kerosene hydrotreating
unit is required to pretreat the kerosene to a low level of FEED AND PRODUCT QUALITY
sulfur, nitrogen and oxygenate contaminants for the pro- Typical kerosene requirement:
tection of the Molex adsorbents. UOP’s UnionfiningTM Any straight run kerosene with 18-50% normal paraffin.
technology is used for the hydrotreating. The severity of
hydrotreating depends on the level of impurities in the
EXPERIENCE
kerosene feedstock and the desired quality of the Molex
raffinate stream. UOP can design the Molex complex so UOP has licensed 28 Molex units throughout the world.
that the raffinate stream meets jet fuel specifications.
 Figure 1
Molex Complex
Simplified Block Flow Diagram
Stripper Rerun Charge Reactor Product Product Molex Rotary Extract and
Column Heater Separator Stripper Adsorbent Valve Raffinate
Chamber Columns
Make-up
Hydrogen
Light Recycle Gas Light
Kerosene Ends

Desorbent
Straight Run Raffinate
Kerosene

Heavy
Kerosene
Normal
Paraffin
Prefractionation Kerosene Unionfining Molex
Unit Unit Unit

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, contact your local UOP
representative or contact our Des Plaines sales office:

e-mail: info@uop.com
fax: +1-847-391-2253
phone: +1-847-391-2000

UOP LLC
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The information in this document should not be construed as a representation for
which UOP assumes legal responsibility, or an authorization or recommendation to Des Plaines, IL 60017-5017, U.S.A.
practice a patented invention without a license. www.uop.com
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